Impact of - IDL-BNC @ IDRC - International Development Research ...

of fluorinated HDPE because fluorination makes the inner surface slippery
and facilitates draining.
A common constraint to the use of new plastic containers is that many
developing countries require agrochemical containers to be manufactured
locally to minimize foreign-currency expenditures. Although PET blowmoulding
is becoming common because of the high-volume needs of the soft
drinks industry the technology needed to produce HDPE and coextrusion
bottles restricts their manufacture to developed countries.
Speculating on future developments in agrochemical containers and packaging
for developing countries, it is useful to consider recent advances in the
USA and Europe. Returnable containers, probably the most important innovation
in terms of safety, are designed to have a long life. Made of stainless
steel or plastics, they can be returned to the supplier for refilling. This eliminates
the problems of container misuse and disposal. Returnable containers
are also linked to a closed system designed to minimize the risk of exposure
during transfer from the container to the tractor or aircraft. However, this
approach requires a good supply and transport infrastructure, often lacking
in developing countries.
A resurgence of interest in water-soluble sachets has also occurred as this
technology has improved. Although these sachets were originally designed to
contain powders, they are now being used for liquid formulations. Finally,
there are signs that rigid plastic containers may be replaced in many cases by
"bag-in-the-box" packaging, which has proved successful for the supply of
wine. This will certainly facilitate disposal and prevent unauthorized reuse.
FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations). 1986. International
code of conduct on the distribution and use of pesticides. FAO, Rome,
Italy. 31 pp.
165